OFFICIAL WEBSITE

https://testingcenter.uci.edu/physical-sciences-tests/calculus/ 

The information below is provided for your convenience directly from the Math Department.  It may not be updated as regularly as the testing center website linked above.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN…

If you have AP, SAT, or ACT scores, please send your test results to UCI Admissions right away (if you have not already done so). Eligible scores (as described below) may help you enroll in the appropriate math course (without having to take any  additional assessment tests). Failure to send in scores could delay your enrollment.

Pre-Calculus Note: Beginning Summer 2025, Math 1A is no longer offered during the academic year (it is offered only during Summer Session 1).  Math 1B is the recommended class to take if you have not taken Pre-Calculus previously.  Math 1B does not have prerequisites.

Summer 2025 Note: For Summer Pre-Calculus (Math 1A & 1B) and Calculus Courses (Math 2A, 2B, 5A, & 5B), no placement test is needed to enroll in these courses.  Students can register directly for the course that is best for them during Summer Sessions 1 or 2.  These courses are offered online during both summer sessions.

Notes

There are four ways to place students into the appropriate course (calculus or precalculus):

  1. AP Scores: AP Calculus AB or BC test.

  2. Math SAT or ACT Scores. While these scores are no longer used for admissions decisions at UCI, the Department of Mathematics still accepts them if students would like to use their scores for mathematics placement. 

  3. ALEKS Placement test. This exam is provided by ALEKS Corporation. Your purchase includes access to ALEKS online educational modules for Preparation for Calculus for six months and two attempts on the placement exam.

  4. Student self placement in Math 1B (or Math 1A during the summer). 

Enrollment Guide

  1. If you took the AP Calculus test, use the following table to enroll.

Test Score Enroll In
AP Calculus BC 4 or 5 Math 2D
AP Calculus BC 3 Math 2B or Math 5B
AP Calculus AB 3, 4, or 5 Math 2B or Math 5B
AP Calculus AB 1 or 2 Refer to steps 2-4 below to guide enrollment.

Note: If you are having trouble enrolling into your math course and never released AP scores to UCI, then please upload a copy of your AP test results here.
 

  1. If you took the Math SAT or ACT, use the following table to enroll.

Test Score Enroll in
Math SAT 650 or better Math 2A or Math 5A
Math ACT 29 or better Math 2A or Math 5A

Note: If you have trouble enrolling into Math 2A/5A, and never provided SAT or ACT scores to UCI, then please upload a copy of your test results here.

  1. If you took the ALEKS placement test, use the following table to enroll.

Test Score Enroll in
ALEKS 80 or better Math 2A or Math 5A
ALEKS 61 or better Math 1B
ALEKS 0-60 Refer to step 4 below to guide enrollment.

Note: If you have trouble enrolling into Math 2A or Math 5A, email mathundergrad@uci.edu and include a copy of your test score. Instructions on taking the ALEKS placement test and accompanying precalculus education material can be found here.

  1. If none of 1), 2), and 3) apply to you, then

  • It is highly recommended that you take the ALEKS placement test and then refer back to the guidelines in 3). Instructions on taking the ALEKS placement test and accompanying precalculus education material can be found here.
  • If you choose not to take the ALEKS placement test, then you may enroll in Math 1B (Pre-Calculus II) directly. (Briefly, Math 1B is college algebra together with exponentials, logarithms, and trigonometry.)